Zambia Campervan Trip Planner

When is the best time to visit Zambia?

Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa, known for its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife.

The country has many parks and safari areas, with Victoria Falls being one of the most famous attractions.

Top destinations in Zambia not to miss are Livingstone, Lusaka, Victoria Falls, South Luangwa National Park.

Planning a road trip in Zambia.

Plan your ultimate road trip adventure in Zambia with our comprehensive trip planner for 4x4 campers and motorhomes. Discover the stunning landscapes, wildlife-rich national parks, and cultural experiences that Zambia has to offer.

Planning your Zambia 4x4 camper road trip

When it comes to planning your Zambia road trip adventure, we've got you covered with some useful tips:

Start by choosing the right depot for your trip. Zambia has two main depots located in Lusaka and Livingstone. If you're interested in a one-way rental, we can help you organize it from South Africa, Namibia, or Zimbabwe, including checking the costs of border crossing fees.

If you're new to driving a 4x4 vehicle, we recommend visiting a local 4x4 dealer and signing up for a 4WD driving course. These courses will help you become familiar with driving a 4x4, including handling rough terrain, tracks, and sand.

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Suggested 14-Day Road Trip Itinerary starting in Lusaka:

• Day 1-2: Lusaka to South Luangwa National Park
  • Travel Distance: Approximately 450km (6-7 hours)
  • Overnight Stay: South Luangwa National Park Campsite or Lodge
  • Activities: Safari drives, walking safaris, wildlife watching
• Day 3-4: South Luangwa to North Luangwa National Park
  • Travel Distance: Roughly 400km (7-8 hours, including stops)
  • Overnight Stay: North Luangwa National Park Campsite or Lodge
  • Activities: Game drives, walking safaris
• Day 5-6: North Luangwa to Shiwa Ng'andu
  • Travel Distance: Around 300km (5-6 hours)
  • Overnight Stay: Shiwa Ng'andu Estate Lodge or Camping
  • Activities: Historical tours, nature walks, lake activities
• Day 7-8: Shiwa Ng'andu to Kasanka National Park
  • Travel Distance: Approximately 250km (4-5 hours)
  • Overnight Stay: Kasanka National Park Campsite or Lodge
  • Activities: Bat migration viewing (seasonal), bird watching, nature walks
• Day 9-10: Kasanka to Kafue National Park
  • Travel Distance: Around 400km (6-7 hours)
  • Overnight Stay: Kafue National Park Campsite or Lodge
  • Activities: Game drives, boat safaris, bird watching
• Day 11-12: Kafue to Lower Zambezi National Park
  • Travel Distance: Roughly 300km (5-6 hours)
  • Overnight Stay: Lower Zambezi National Park Campsite or Lodge
  • Activities: Canoeing, fishing, game viewing by boat or vehicle
• Day 13-14: Lower Zambezi to Lusaka
  • Travel Distance: Approximately 150km (3-4 hours)
  • Overnight Stay: Lusaka or nearby campsite
  • Activities: Relaxation, local market visits

Suggested 14-Day Road Trip Itinerary starting in Livingstone:

Day 1: Livingstone to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

• Activities: Visit Victoria Falls, known as "The Smoke that Thunders." Enjoy the stunning views and take a guided tour.
• Additional Suggestion: Consider taking a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls for a truly breathtaking view. Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls
• Overnight Stay: Camp at designated sites within the park.
• Distance: Approximately 15 km from Livingstone.
• Travel Time: About 20-30 minutes.

Day 2-3: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to Kafue National Park

• Activities: Travel to Kafue National Park, one of Africa's largest parks. Enjoy game drives, looking out for elephants, lions, and various antelope species.
• Additional Suggestion: Stop at the Batoka Gorge for a white-water rafting adventure.
• Overnight Stay: Camp at Kafue National Park campsites.
• Distance: Around 600 km.
• Travel Time: Approximately 8-10 hours (including stops).

Day 4-5: Kafue National Park to Liuwa Plain National Park

• Activities: Explore Liuwa Plain, famous for its wildebeest migration and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
• Additional Suggestion: Visit the Kafue National Park Visitor Centre to learn more about the park and its wildlife.
• Overnight Stay: Camp within the park or stay at designated lodges.
• Distance: Approximately 500 km.
• Travel Time: About 7-9 hours.

Day 6-7: Liuwa Plain National Park to Lower Zambezi National Park

• Activities: Head to Lower Zambezi for canoe safaris, game drives, and fishing along the Zambezi River.
• Additional Suggestion: Take a canoe safari on the Zambezi River to see crocodiles, hippos, and elephants.
• Overnight Stay: Camp by the river or stay at designated lodges.
• Distance: Around 700 km.
• Travel Time: Approximately 9-11 hours.

Day 8-9: Lower Zambezi National Park to South Luangwa National Park

• Activities: Journey to South Luangwa, renowned for its walking safaris and abundant wildlife.
• Overnight Stay: Camp at South Luangwa campsites.
• Distance: Approximately 400 km.
• Travel Time: About 6-7 hours.
• Additional Suggestion: Visit the South Luangwa National Park Visitor Centre to learn more about the park and its wildlife.

Day 10-11: South Luangwa National Park to North Luangwa National Park

• Activities: Venture deeper into the wilderness in North Luangwa, known for its rhino population and remote wilderness.
• Additional Suggestion: Take a walking safari in North Luangwa National Park to get up close and personal with the wildlife.
• Overnight Stay: Camp within the park.
• Distance: Approximately 150 km.
• Travel Time: About 4-5 hours.

Day 12-14: North Luangwa National Park to return to Livingstone

• Activities: Begin the return journey to Livingstone, enjoying game viewing along the way.
• Overnight Stay: Camp at selected spots or lodges along the route.
• Distance: Varies; approximately 800 km total for the return journey.
• Travel Time: Varies; approximately 10-12 hours over three days.

Top Ten Tips for a Successful Journey:

1. Plan Ahead: Research each destination, road conditions, and accommodations.
2. Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your 4x4 camper is in excellent condition before departure.
3. Provisions: Stock up on food, water, and camping essentials, as some areas might have limited supplies.
4. Navigation Tools: Carry maps, GPS, or navigation apps for remote areas with limited signal.
5. Travel Insurance: Consider comprehensive travel insurance covering vehicle breakdowns and medical emergencies.
6. Respect Wildlife: Observe park rules and maintain a safe distance from animals.
7. Weather Awareness: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially during the rainy season.
8. Campsite Reservations: Confirm campsite availability, especially during peak seasons.
9. Safety Precautions: Practice safety protocols, including securing your campsite and valuables.
10. Leave No Trace: Respect the environment by leaving campsites as you found them.

Not-to-be-Missed Activities and Sites:

• Safari experiences in South Luangwa and Kafue National Parks.
• Witnessing the bat migration in Kasanka National Park (seasonal).
• Historical tours at Shiwa Ng'andu Estate.
• Enjoying water activities along the Zambezi River in Lower Zambezi National Park.

Pre-book your Campsites in Zambia:

We have listed the websites where there is one. Other listings include a facebook page or a listing from Zambia Tourism. Many Lodges offer sites for campervans and motorhomes.

• Camp Nkwazi Campsite
• Dew Claw Lodge and Tours - Campsite
• Eagles Rest Lodge - Campsite
• Eureka Camping Park - Campsite
• Hippo Bay - Campsite
• Kapishya Hot Springs - Campsite
• Kasabushi Camp
• Kigelia
• Mayukuyuku
• McBrides
• Mutinondo Wilderness Lodge
• Mvuu Lodge
• Pioneer Lodge, Camp and Safaris
• Tamarind Tree Zambezi River Lodge
• Tembusha Forest Camp
• The Moorings Campsite
• Track and Trail River Camp
• Victoria Falls Waterfront
• Camp Zambia – Samala Camp
• Camp Zambia - Kalovia Camp
• Kasanka Trust - Wasa Lodge
• Liuwa Plain Community - Katoyana Camp
• Liuwa Plain Community - Kwale Camp
• Liuwa Plain Community - Lyangu Camp
• Liuwa Plain Community - Kayila Camp
• Kwale Camp - African Parks

Maps and GPS

While GPS on your phone is convenient, we suggest buying a physical map and studying your route before your trip. Make notes on the map and take it with you. It's important not to rely solely on GPS as signal strength can be weak, and you may run out of battery.

Remember to book your campsites in advance. It's always easier to modify a booking by making a phone call rather than trying to find a spot in a fully booked campsite.

Drive defensively in Zambia

Driving conditions in Zambia can be unpredictable, so it's important to drive defensively and take your time. Weather conditions can change quickly, so find a safe place to pull over and stop if needed.

Keep in mind that trucks and cars in Zambia might indicate randomly to the left or right. Pay attention to their movements and always perform your own checks before overtaking another vehicle.

Estimating driving times in Zambia

Allow ample time for traveling between destinations in Zambia. Roads conditions can be challenging, so it's wise to assume that driving anywhere will take longer than you expect.

Keep an eye out for broken-down vehicles and trucks on the road. Drive within the speed limits and exercise caution on blind corners.

Be aware that speed bumps are often used in populated areas to slow down traffic and are usually not marked.

Road blocks in Zambia

Roadblocks and police checkpoints are common in Zambia. Interact with officers in a friendly manner and respond accordingly.

Officers may ask for cross-border papers, such as 3rd party insurance, or your driver's license. They might also conduct vehicle checks to ensure everything is in order, including working lights and up-to-date license discs.

If caught for speeding (note that Zambian police are strict about this), you will be required to pay the fine in cash. Make sure to cross-check the fine amount demanded by the officer with the amount stated in the official police fine book. Always request a receipt for any payments made.

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The highlights are:

• Wikitravel Zambia
• Zambia Tourism Board Website
• National Parks in Zambia
• Self-Drive Advice For Zambia

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Useful links to find out about Zambia

• Driving routes in Zambia
• Zambia Videos
• Campsites in Zambia
• Driving Regulations in Zambia
• Be prepared for road tolls in Zambia
• Traffic News in Zambia
• Know Before you Go. Zambia

All you need to know before you hire a campervan from Campervans.com. Find out all the costs before you book securely.

Campervans.com has booked thousands of campervan hires for thousands of customers worldwide since we started in 1998. We are a trusted member of the online campervan rental community.

When is Peak Season in Zambia

The prices change depending on the time of year. So peak season in Zambia is between June and Ocotober. It is winter but it's the best time to travel in Zambia. It is very hot between September and October. Avoid the rainy season from November to April. January can be very west

Rental rates are generally higher when there are school holidays, national holidays and specific events or festivals.

The daily rate increases the nearer you get to the start of your planned holiday. Book early to avoid these increases. Rates are usually released at least 11 months ahead. This is similar to the way airlines price their tickets too.

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Larger campervans and motorhomes are the ones that sell out the quickest during family holidays times.

Smaller campervans are cheaper than larger ones. Older campervans are cheaper than newer ones.

Long term rentals usually over 21 days offer a cheaper daily rate. So add a few days on when you are creating a quote to see if the price goes down the longer you book for. You may find you get some extra days free if you book for a few days more.

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There is limited availability for campervans and motorhomes. Car rental firms have many more vehicles to rent out than campervan companies so book early to get the size of camper that you want.

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What is included in the daily rate?

All companies have the basics included in the daily rate but you have to pay for optional extras.

• Daily Rental Rate - covers the cost of hiring a campervan and includes basic insurance with an excess.
• Bedding and linen is included in the daily rate in some countries but can be an extra charge in others.
• Plates, crockery and cooking equipment can also be included in countries such as New Zealand and Australia but will be an optional extra in the USA and Canada.
• Roadside assistance or breakdown cover is usually covered. However, it is sometimes offered as an additonal option.